Collapsible chair

ABSTRACT

A collapsible chair includes a support assembly. The support assembly includes a front leg member having two spaced-apart forward legs, each of which has an upper end; and a rear leg member having two spaced-apart rearward legs, each of which has an upper end. The collapsible chair also includes a seat frame having a rear portion pivotally connected to the forward legs, and a front portion pivotally connected to the upper ends of the rearward legs. A backrest frame has a lower end connected detachably to the upper ends of the forward legs, and a connecting mechanism detachably secures the backrest frame to the front leg member. A seat fabric is mounted to the backrest frame and the seat frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a collapsible chair, more particularly to a collapsible chair that is structured such that a seat fabric mounted thereon is fully spread open when the collapsible chair is unfolded, and such that an upper surface of the seat fabric is concealed when the collapsible chair is folded.

2. Description of the Related Art

U.S. Pat. No. 6,332,646 discloses a foldable chair frame, which is folded and unfolded with a seat fabric mounted thereon being maintained in substantially the same, open state. Although the overall structure of the chair frame is simple, and folding and unfolding operations are easy to perform, such a conventional foldable chair frame nevertheless is not without drawbacks. Namely, an upper surface of a fabric piece mounted on the foldable chair frame is always exposed as described above, regardless of whether the frame is unfolded or collapsed. This results in the accumulation of dust on the upper surface of the fabric piece. Furthermore, when the frame is unfolded from a collapsed state, the user typically has to straighten out the fabric piece so that creases and folds in the fabric piece are removed, thereby inconveniencing the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of this invention is to provide a collapsible chair structured to substantially open flat a seat fabric mounted thereon when the collapsible chair is unfolded, and to render an upper surface of the seat fabric concealed when the collapsible chair is folded.

According to the present invention, a collapsible chair comprises a support assembly including a front leg member having two spaced-apart forward legs, each having an upper end, and a rear leg member having two spaced-apart rearward legs, each of the rearward legs having an upper end. The rearward legs cross the forward legs. The collapsible chair also comprises a seat frame having a rear portion pivotally connected to the forward legs, and a front portion pivotally connected to the upper ends of the rearward legs. A backrest frame has a lower end connected detachably to the upper ends of the forward legs, and a connecting mechanism detachably secures the backrest frame to the front leg member. A seat fabric is mounted to the backrest frame and the seat frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is an assembled perspective view of a collapsible chair according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the collapsible chair is shown in an unfolded position;

FIG. 2 is a partly disassembled perspective view of the preferred embodiment, in which a seat fabric of the collapsible chair is omitted from the structure;

FIG. 3 is fragmentary partly exploded sectional view illustrating a connecting mechanism and associated elements of the collapsible chair of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the collapsible chair of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating a completely folded state of the preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, a collapsible chair according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a support assembly 1, a seat frame 2, a backrest frame 3, a pair of connecting mechanisms 4, an extension member 14, and a seat fabric 5.

The support assembly 1 includes a front leg member 11, a rear leg member 12, and two spaced-apart linking members 13. The front and rear leg members 11, 12 stably support the collapsible chair on the ground in a state intersecting one another.

In the preferred embodiment, the front leg member 11 includes a pair of spaced-apart forward legs 111 respectively having an upper end and a lower end, and a front base support 112 interconnecting the lower ends of the forward legs 111. The rear leg member 12 includes a pair of spaced-apart rearward legs 121 respectively having an upper end and a lower end, and a rear base support 122 interconnecting the lower ends of the rearward legs 121. The linking members 13 extend in a front-to-rear direction, and are positioned below where the front leg member 11 intersects the rear leg member 12. In more detail, a rearward end of each of the linking members 13 is pivotally connected to a corresponding one of the rearward legs 121, and a forward end of each of the linking members 13 is pivotally connected to a corresponding one of the forward legs 121. The pivotal connection of the linking members 13 to the forward and rearward legs 111, 121 is made through first hinge pins 15.

A hollow extension 114 is integrally formed extending from the upper end of each of the forward legs 111. Each of the hollow extensions 114 includes a first aperture 115 formed therethrough. Each of the forward legs 111 further includes a rear hinge seat 113 fixedly connected thereto at a predetermined distance from the upper end of the forward leg 111.

The seat frame 2 has a rear portion connected to the forward legs 111 of the front leg member 11, and a front portion connected to the rearward legs 121 of the rear leg member 12. In the preferred embodiment, the seat frame 2 is substantially U-shaped and includes a pair of spaced-apart straight seat segments 21, and an arc seat segment 22 interconnecting the straight seat segments 21. A front hinge seat 23 is fixedly connected to each of the straight seat segments 21 at a predetermined location and extends downwardly therefrom. A distal end of each of the straight seat segments 21 is pivotally connected to a respective one of the rear hinge seats 113 through a second hinge pin 24, and an upper end of each of the rearward legs 121 is pivotally connected to a respective one of the front hinge seats 23 through a third hinge pin 25.

The backrest frame 3 has a lower end connected detachably to the upper ends of the forward legs 111. In the preferred embodiment, the backrest frame 3 is substantially U-shaped and includes a pair of spaced-apart straight back segments 31, and an arc back segment 32 interconnecting the straight back segments 31. The straight back segments 31 are at least partially hollow, that is, at least bottom end portions thereof are hollow to allow the bottom end portions to be sleeved onto a respective one of the hollow extensions 114 of the forward legs 111. A second aperture 33 is formed through the bottom end portion of each of the straight back segments 31. Each of the second apertures 33 is formed at a location corresponding to a corresponding one of the first apertures 115 of the hollow extensions 114 when the straight back segments 31 are sleeved onto the hollow extensions 114.

With particular reference to FIG. 3, one of the connecting mechanisms 4 is inserted into each of the hollow extensions 114 of the forward legs 111. Each of the connecting mechanisms 4 includes a spring-loaded latch 41 that is approximately U-shaped, and that has a tab member 42 extending from one of the upper ends of the thereof to project resiliently into the first aperture 115 of the hollow extension 114.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the tab members 42 is also inserted into a corresponding one of the second apertures 33 when the straight back segments 31 are sleeved onto the hollow extensions 114 of the front leg member 11. In this state of insertion through the first and second apertures 115, 33, the backrest frame 3 is securely mounted on the front leg member 11. The tab members 42 may be pressed inwardly by a user to allow the backrest frame 3 to be removed from the front leg member 11.

The extension member 14 extends between the rearward legs 121, and is pivotally connected thereto. In the preferred embodiment, the extension member 14 includes a pair of spaced-apart side rods 141, and a base rod 142 that interconnects the side rods 141. An end of each of the side rods 141 distal from the base rod 142 is pivotally connected to a respective one of the rearward legs 121 through a fourth hinge pin 16 at a location below the intersection of the front leg member 11 and the rear leg member 12, but above where the linking member 13 is connected to the rear leg member 12.

With reference to FIG. 1, the seat fabric 5 may be made of a canvas material, a plastic cloth material, or any other material that may be folded and that is sturdy enough to support the weight of a user. The seat fabric 5 includes a seat section 52 mounted to the seat frame 2, and a back support section 53 mounted to the backrest frame 3. Formed on a bottom surface of the seat fabric 5 are a pair of lateral sleeve sections 511 respectively sleeved onto at least a portion of a corresponding one of the straight seat segments 21 of the seat frame 2, a front sleeve section 521 sleeved onto at least a portion of the arc seat segment 22 of the seat frame 2, and a back sleeve section 531 sleeved onto the arc back segment 32 (and possibly onto at least a part of the straight back segments 31 of the backrest frame 3). Also formed on the bottom surface of the seat fabric 5 is a sleeve 54. The sleeve 54 is formed between the seat section 52 and the back support section 53, and the sleeve 54 is sleeved onto the base rod 142 of the extension member 14, thereby maintaining the positioning of the seat fabric 5.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, to assemble the collapsible chair of the present invention, the front leg member 11 and the rear leg member 12 are set upright, and the linking members 13 are then connected thereto using the first hinge pins 15. Next, the sleeve 54 is sleeved onto the extension member 14, the front sleeve section 521 is sleeved onto the arc seat segment 22, and the lateral sleeve sections 511 are sleeved onto the straight seat segments 21. Subsequently, each of the second hinge pins 24 is mounted to a corresponding one of the rear hinge seats 113, and the end of a corresponding one of the straight seat segments 21 distal from the arc seat segment 22; and each of the third hinge pins 25 is mounted to a corresponding one of the front hinge seats 23, and the upper end of a corresponding one of the rearward legs 121. Further, each of the fourth hinge pins 16 is connected to a corresponding one of the rearward legs 121, and a corresponding one of the side rods 141 of the extension member 14.

Subsequently, the back sleeve section 531 is sleeved onto the backrest frame 3 such that at least the arc back segment 32 is positioned therein. Next, each of the connecting mechanisms 4 is positioned in a corresponding one of the hollow extensions 114 of the forward legs 111 such that the tab member 42 thereof projects resiliently through the first aperture 115. Each of the ends of the straight back segments 31 distal from the arc back segment 32 is sleeved onto a respective one of the hollow extensions 114 of the forward legs 111 such that each of the tab members 42 is inserted into a corresponding one of the second apertures 33.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, when it is desired to fold the collapsible chair, the front portion of the seat frame 2 with the seat fabric 5 mounted thereon is grasped by the user and gradually pulled toward the backrest frame 3. As a result of the pivotable connection between the elements of the collapsible chair as described above, the seat frame 2 moves toward the backrest frame 3, and at the same time, the front leg member 11 and the rear leg member 12 move toward each other. As a result, the seat fabric 5 is folded such that the seat section 52 and the back support section 53 thereof are moved toward each other and are thus folded together. In this folded state, dust is prevented from collecting on an upper, sitting surface of the seat fabric 5 when the collapsible chair is stored for long periods. Furthermore, the folding and unfolding operations are easily and quickly performed.

In addition, as a result of the cooperation between the extension member 14 and the sleeve 54 of the seat fabric 5, when the collapsible chair is unfolded, the area of the seat fabric 5 where the sleeve 54 is formed (i.e., between the seat section 52 and the back support section 53) is pulled downwardly and rearwardly such that the seat fabric 54 is spread open flat. Therefore, the user need not adjust the seat fabric 5 as in the prior art collapsible chair.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements. 

1. A collapsible chair comprising: a support assembly including a front leg member having two spaced-apart forward legs, each of said forward legs having an upper end, and a rear leg member having two spaced-apart rearward legs, each of said rearward legs having an upper end, said rearward legs crossing said forward legs; a seat frame having a rear portion pivotally connected to said forward legs, and a front portion pivotally connected to said upper ends of said rearward legs; a backrest frame having a lower end connected detachably to said upper ends of said forward legs; a connecting mechanism detachably securing said backrest frame to said front leg member; and a seat fabric mounted to said backrest frame and said seat frame; wherein said seat fabric includes a seat section mounted to said seat frame, a back support section mounted to said backrest frame, and a sleeve formed on a bottom surface of said seat fabric between said seat section and said back support section, said support assembly further including an extension member extending between said rearward legs and pivotally connected thereto, said sleeve being sleeved onto said extension member.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The collapsible chair as claimed in claim 1, wherein said extension member includes a pair of spaced-apart side rods pivoted to said rearward legs, and a base rod interconnecting said side rods, said sleeve of said seat frame being sleeved onto said base rod.
 4. The collapsible chair as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear portion of said seat frame includes a pair of spaced-apart substantially straight seat segments, said front portion of said seat frame having an arc seat segment interconnecting front ends of said straight seat segments.
 5. The collapsible chair as claimed in claim 4, wherein said backrest frame includes a pair of spaced-apart substantially straight back segments respectively and detachably mounted to said upper ends of said forward legs of said front leg member, and an arc back segment interconnecting said straight back segments.
 6. A collapsible chair comprising: a support assembly including a front leg member having two spaced-apart forward legs, each of said forward legs having an upper end, and a rear leg member having two spaced-apart rearward legs, each of said rearward leas having an upper end, said rearward legs crossing said forward legs; a seat frame having a rear portion pivotally connected to said forward legs, and a front portion pivotally connected to said upper ends of said rearward legs; a backrest frame having a lower end connected detachably to said upper ends of said forward legs; a connecting mechanism detachably securing said backrest frame to said front leg member; and a seat fabric mounted to said backrest frame and said seat frame; wherein said rear portion of said seat frame includes a pair of spaced-apart substantially straight seat segments, said front portion of said seat frame having an arc seat segment interconnecting front ends of said straight seat segments; wherein said backrest frame includes a pair of spaced-apart substantially straight back segments respectively and detachably mounted to said upper ends of said forward legs of said front leg member, and an arc back segment interconnecting said straight back segments; wherein said seat fabric includes a pair of spaced-apart lateral sleeve sections and a front sleeve section, said lateral sleeve sections being sleeved onto said straight seat segments, said front sleeve section being sleeved onto said arc seat segment of said seat frame.
 7. The collapsible chair as claimed in claim 6, wherein said back support section of said seat fabric includes a back sleeve section that is sleeved onto said arc back segment.
 8. A collapsible chair comprising: a support assembly including a front leg member having two spaced-apart forward legs, each of said forward legs having an upper end, and a rear leg member having two spaced-apart rearward legs, each of said rearward legs having an upper end, said rearward legs crossing said forward legs; a seat frame having a rear portion pivotally connected to said forward legs, and a front portion pivotally connected to said upper ends of said rearward legs; a backrest frame having a lower end connected detachably to said upper ends of said forward legs; a connecting mechanism detachably securing said backrest frame to said front leg member; and a seat fabric mounted to said backrest frame and said seat frame; wherein said rear portion of said seat frame includes a pair of spaced-apart substantially straight seat segments, said front portion of said seat frame having an arc seat segment interconnecting front ends of said straight seat segments; wherein said backrest frame includes a pair of spaced-apart substantially straight back segments respectively and detachably mounted to said upper ends of said forward legs of said front leg member, and an arc back segment interconnecting said straight back segments; wherein said straight seat segments have distal ends respectively and pivotally connected to said forward legs of said front leg member, said upper ends of said rear leg members being respectively and pivotally connected to said straight seat segments in front of said distal ends of said straight seat segments.
 9. The collapsible chair as claimed in claim 5, wherein said upper end of each of said forward legs has an integral hollow extension, said straight back segments having bottom end portions respectively sleeved onto said hollow extensions of said forward legs.
 10. The collapsible chair as claimed in claim 9, wherein said hollow extension of each of said forward legs includes a first aperture formed therethrough, each of said bottom end portions of said straight back segments includes a second aperture formed therethrough, said connecting mechanism including a spring-loaded latch mounted in said hollow extension of each of said forward legs, and projecting resiliently into said first aperture.
 11. The collapsible chair as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pair of linking members each having a rearward end pivotally connected to a corresponding one of said rearward legs, and a forward end pivotally connected to a corresponding one of said forward legs. 